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“Implement Justice Sachar findings to improve the lot of Muslims”

JAIPUR: The findings of the Justice Rajinder Sachar Committee on the socio-economic lot of Muslims were highlighted in the context of educational backwardness of the community at a conference on Muslims’ education here on Saturday. The participants called for immediate implementation of the Sachar Committee’s recommendations.

Governors of three States -- S. K. Singh of Rajasthan, Nawal Kishore Sharma of Gujarat and A. R. Kidwai of Haryana -- and Union Steel, Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister Ram Vilas Paswan were among those who attended the two-day conference.

The event to discuss issues and challenges in the field of education and distribute awards for excellence was organised by the American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMI) as its 16th international conference at Jamia Hidayat on the outskirts of Jaipur.

Speakers felt that the Sachar Committee’s report, which was an “authentic document” elaborating the pitiable and appalling condition of Indian Muslims in terms of education, should be treated with seriousness and measures taken for advancement of the community’s primary, higher, technical and madrasa education.

Mr. S. K. Singh said the Sachar Committee had “struck the right chord” by revealing the pathetic condition of Muslims and added that urgent steps were needed to ameliorate the community’s educational status, which was the key to its progress in all other fields. He said cash prizes and recognition to meritorious students would encourage them to set high aims in their lives.

Mr. Nawal Kishore Sharma said the low educational status of Muslims in North India warranted a rethink on the government’s policies, while the non-government organisations should take up educational activities in a big way. He suggested that a significant portion of Zakat (charity) contributed by Muslims every year be spent on education.

Dr. A. R. Kidwai said the steps for inclusive growth would benefit Muslims at large, while the community should make sincere attempts to make collective contributions in the sectors such as health care, social reforms and education. “All citizens should have a share in India’s journey to cross the development mark by 2020.”

Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan called upon Muslims and Dalits to launch a “combined struggle” to ensure social justice, while affirming that development without equity would be of no use for the country. He said the feeling of insecurity among minorities should be removed as the first step towards ensuring inclusive growth.

AFMI gave away the Sir Syed Ahmed Award for excellence in education to chairman of the Hyderabad-based Foundation for Economic and Educational Development and Hyderabad Zakat and Charitable Trust Ghayasuddin Babu Khan. Gold medals were also given to meritorious students selected from various States.

AFMI president Shakir Mukhi and trustee A. S. Nakadar said the Foundation was devoted to promotion of education among Muslims in India and had been organising international conferences every year. Maulana Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, Rector of Jamia Hidayat, pointed out that the Muslim community’s development would ultimately contribute to the progress of the nation.

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